Don't blame PUBG for acts of terror, says Syed Saddiq
Violent online games such as PlayerUnknown’s Battleground (PUBG) should not be blamed for extremist acts, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman. (NSTP Archive / Google Image)
By Hashini Kavishtri Kannan - March 17, 2019 @ 1:41pm
PUTRAJAYA: Violent online games such as PlayerUnknown’s Battleground (PUBG) should not be blamed for extremist acts, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
He said extremists would carry out acts of violence with or without exposure to online games.
“Trust me, whether or not there are such online games, people with extremist beliefs will still carry out violent acts,” he added.
He was asked whether the government would ban online games with violent elements such as PUBG following the act of terror at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand last Friday which saw 50 people killed.
Syed Saddiq said online games had nothing to do with the violence that took place in New Zealand.
“This (the incident) is bigger than that. We have to pay our respects to those who have lost their lives but don’t be too quick to blame online games.
“Does it mean that we have to ban all games with shooting elements? I think the shooting in Christchurch is bigger than that.
“Even before PUBG, these kinds of acts happened,” he said when met after the launch of Asia GT Festival at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) earlier today.
Syed Saddiq also said such acts of terror must be condemned by the world.
It has been said that the shooting in Christchurch which was livestreamed by the terrorist resembled the PUBG game.
Several cities in India has moved to ban the game after concerns were raised about its ability to influence people to act violently.
Negri mufti wants PUBG online shooting game banned
Negri Sembilan Mufti Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad said the government should urgently consider banning PUBG online as it had a negative impact on children and youth. (NSTP Archive)
By Mohd Helmi Irwadi Mohd Nor - March 17, 2019 @ 3:17pm
SEREMBAN: The PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) online shooting game should be banned as it propels the younger generation towards terrorism and erodes compassion for others.
Negri Sembilan Mufti Datuk Mohd Yusof Ahmad said the government should urgently consider banning the game as it had a negative impact on children and youth.
“I believe this game has been purposefully planned a long time,” he said.
“The goal is to shape the minds of the younger generation to enjoy war, to fight and indulge in vicious activities.”
He said the game was inappropriate for Muslims and has to be curbed as it was easily accesible and could be played by anyone on a laptop or mobile phone.
“The government should pay attention as gaming is now included as part of esports,” he said.
“It is not impossible that firearms may be easily accessed one day. Think of the consequences if PUBG becomes part of our youths’ lives.”
Commenting on the mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, he said it was due to hatred of Islam.
“The world’s leaders are the ones who created Islamophobia.
“If people at the top hate Islam, it is not surprising that people under them will follow suit.”
